Dictionary "Art"

Not sure what it is about an old dictionary but there is something beautiful about letter after letter spanning the onion skin pages. They aren't pratical anymore - its so much easier to look up a definition on the web but they can be appreciated in other ways.

Step 1: Get one old dictionary. (Purchased for $1 at junk shop)

Step 2: Find a word suitable for the print. (For example, I selected the pages 'sit' and 'furniture' for this set)

Step 5: Matte & Frame as desired.Footnote: Isn't that matte pretty? A very thoughtful friend send a pair to me as a thank you. She was spot on knowing I'd love them. The black distressed frame was found at (where else?) Target for $13.I did this set to be hung over the guestroom bed but decided at the last minute it was 'too much'. But I still love the look. I might change the print (any suggestions on what I should do instead of chairs?) but I think I will use these in my own bedroom when I finally get to working on that space.

71 comments:

I stalk your blog frequently and I have to say this project is the best I have ever seen on blogland!!! Pure genius. I am going to get an old dictionary right now. You are amazing and that frame and matting is to die for!!!!!

I really, really, love the look of this project. But, I have sort of a thing about cutting up books. It feels sacrilegious to me. So, I'm going to try copying or scanning a page of an old dictionary onto paper (or maybe beige vellum) first, then printing the picture on top of it.

These are really beautiful.I was at the thrift store the other day and had a beautiful dictionary in my hand. I had a feeling that something cool could be done with it but I didnt know exactly what, so since I have a million unfinished projects I put it back on the shelf. Now I need to go back and get it!Question though; where did you get the image you printed?

very classy...but what else could we expect from you?!?! I love LOVE the chairs but maybe chandeliers, vintage cameras, birds, etc. would work too...but then you probably already thought of all those :)

I actually tried this and ended up with a chewed up dictionary page in my printer. Hubby was NOT happy : ( My solution was spray adhesive on card stock and attach the dictionary page to it. Apparently my page was just too old lol.

This is a great idea. I recently purchased these old open cube shelves that are rather large. I thought about pasting some type of newspaper or old book to the inside. I figure I might as well have fun with them. I'm not totally sure though. This is something to think about. Give a little something extra

To those of you that have tried OLD dictionary pages and have them tear and mess up your printer do this: Colour copy your dictionary page at a copy shop, The colour printer will pick up the subtle old paper patina, and it will be on a good quality paper, THEN run it through your printer, Voila! you will get the same good results. Good luck!

I love this idea...but...how do you not have the image cover the wording of the page? If you want a 'word' for over the guest bed(s)...maybe something like...welcome (with a wreath)...or friendship (with a boquet of flowers)...or...I don't know...would need to know what is in the room to be more exact. Anyway...love the idea...and think it would be great in a babies room...or a hallway...by family photos...with the word love...or family...and a print of ??? a heart? Any way...having a great time brain storming about it...and I have a box of frames! Fun, fun, fun!

I received your message regarding posting a link to your site and the request for 'Immediate removal'............... My blog is a link style blog - all the items posted on this blog are links to other peoples amazing creations, tutorials etc. I do not pass them off as my own and I certainly take no credit for anything that you or anyone else does.

I do try to increase traffic to your site by letting my followers know I found your stuff inspirational and where to find you. By doing this I reproduce an image from your post that acts as a live link to your article, (I don't reproduce any text or anything other than what is automated through the Wordpress 'press this' button) - hence the ping back you would have recieved. Other than the ping back it's JUST LIKE PINTEREST.

It seems you may have taken exception, or offence at this and not taken this gesture as intended - as form of flattery so that is unfortunate.

Just so you know - I found your website through Pinterest.... People have reproduced your images a number of times over there except you have no warning of that it is going on. I at least had the decency to engaged pingbacks to let you know.

Consider your article links removed as of this evening. It's a pity though - you are very talented and clearly deserve an audience which I would have been happy to assist with building.

I love this idea! I will have to think hard to figure out where I'd want to use it. Of course you wouldn't have to stick with frames if you didn't want to; this could make some interesting decoupage projects, too.

Here's another good one for wall art: Interesting record covers + 12 x 12 stretched canvas (like you would paint on for art class) + Mod Podge and accent paint.

I'm one with a taste for kitsch, but you could easily find record jackets in any number of visual styles. I accented mine by painting the sides of the canvases - they are 1" deep - with teal acrylic, then Gorilla Glued the record sleeves on. Mod Podge and acrylic sealer and BAM! Unique wall art.

I suspect that canvas + decoupage would make an interesting alternative to frames for lots of other wall art, too.